How long to let pt 4x4 post dry?

j_sun

Hi all,
I had to replace a pt 4x4 post on my fence. I've screwed 2x6s across the face of the fence to brace the post to to prevent twisting as it dries. My question is how long should I let it dry before removing the temporary brackets?
The post will be the one the gate will hang on. Living in PA.
Thanks.

CrossWorks

If I'm not mistaken, I believe a minimum of 90 days is needed before PT lumber can painted/stained.

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kwikfishron

I’m not folowing you on this j_sun. Usually when this question is asked people want to know how long to wait before they can paint or stain, you don’t mention this.

It sounds like you’re waiting before you continue building the fence. I don’t recommend doing that. You don’t want to wait with PT, get everything put together asap is your best bet.

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j_sun

Hi kwik,
No staining.
This is actually a composite fence. I wasn't comfortable with the strength of the composite posts and it's ability to support the gate so I dug it out and replaced it with the pt post. (This composite fence used steel posts anchored in the ground and the "post" was really just a sleeve that fit over the steel post).
I've got the new post anchored to the existing section of fence plus the 2x6s across the opening. Do you think having it connected to the 3 backer rails of the fence section will keep it from bending and twisting?
I've attached a "before" picture of the opening. The post on the right is the one I replaced.

joecaption

A 2 X 6 is not going to stop a 4 X 4 from twisting or curling.